Derby delights sold-out crowd

There wasn't an empty seat at the Plains Fairgrounds arena this last Sunday night. The crowd was full of anticipation as over 50 drivers from far and wide came to compete in the 45th annual Carnage on the Clark Fork Demolition Derby and they did not disappoint. The roar of the crowd was deafening as everyone cheered on their favorite drivers as they crashed into each other, hoping for a chance to win the grand prize.

For over five hours the sound of crunching metal and roaring engines could be heard throughout the arena. Smoke filled the air and sparks were flying as the drivers did their best to beat their opponents' vehicles to the point that they no longer ran. Tires were sent flying and cars were flipped upside down as the crowd roared with excitement. In each four heats of the class 4 division only four cars were allowed to move on to the main event. By the time of the main event, everyone was on the edge of their seats to see who would be the last one standing.

While class 4 was the main event, there were also class one and two, in a limited weld category. Class two was by far the most chaotic as drivers battled for victory. By the end the arena was filled with littered car parts and smoke.

The winners of the night were Butch Keith in class one, earning $3,000, with Rhiley Sanders of Thompson Falls earning the "Mad Dog" or MVP title and a fancy $500 check. For class two the winner was Eric Tadej, earning $5,000, with Justin Kirk as the Mad Dog getting $2,000. Class four winner was Chris Moore, who put on a very exciting show which earned him the Mad Dog title as well as a grand total of $13,000.